An ill widow in Ha Tinh Province is calling for financial support to help her treat kidney problems and cover study fees for her daughters after the sudden death of her husband.

Bui Thi Phuong, 35, said she was very happy when she got married in 2003 and when her first daughter was born. In 2008, she was diagnosed with kidney failure and gave birth to her youngest daughter when her health improved four years later.

Phuong and her children

However, her health worsened even though the family had borrowed money from everyone they could for the treatment. "Doctors can't save my kidney anymore. Due to complications that I also suffer from many other illnesses such as arthritis and osteoporosis. I can't go to work or do anything," Phuong said.

After Phuong fell ill, her husband shouldered everything. He was a bricklayer and often went fishing to improve their daily meals. Unfortunately, he died suddenly while fishing five months ago at the age of 36.

"I can't go to school regularly. Sometimes, I stayed at home for several days in a row to help my mother," Quyen said. Quyen said she wanted to drop out of school and find a job since they could hardly afford school supplies and tuition.

"I know I'm a burden for my children. I feel helpless. What will happen to my children?" Phuong said.